We get frequent reminders that we are on the "bleeding edge" of autodom's electrification. And the reality is that because of huge EV production investments and battery costs, as well as range and charging issues, the internal combustion engine will likely remain with us for some time.
A recent breakthrough in plasma-ignition tech is helping to ensure that probability. It promises better fuel efficiency and much lower emissions. And that will add regulatory compliance life to gasoline and natural gas engines.
No, plasma here has nothing to do with blood; it's an electrically conductive ionized gas. By converting an engine's intake charge into an ionized gas, the spark from the plug is significantly more likely to propagate a flame front through the entire air-fuel mix, resulting in a cleaner, more complete burn and combustion.